ABOUT US
Since 1985, KTK Tugs has been the guiding force behind Curaçao’s vibrant maritime industry. As a subsidiary of the Curaçao Ports Authority, we ensure the smooth and safe arrival and departure of vessels in all deep-sea ports.
Our 3 dedicated tugboats are stationed permanently in Curaçao, offering 24/7 assistance. Need additional muscle? We can also swiftly mobilize tugs from Aruba and Bonaire within 24 hours. And for international projects, our wider fleet tackles towage jobs and time charters across the maritime and offshore industry.
More than just a service provider, KTK Tugs is deeply rooted in the Curaçao community. Located conveniently near the tugs under the iconic Juliana Bridge, we operate with efficiency and a commitment to social responsibility. We actively participate in community projects and initiatives focused on sustainability, leaving a positive impact on the island and its people.
Our dedicated team of 72 maritime professionals and office staff is your guarantee of expertise and reliability. From experienced captains and engineers on board our tugs and mooring launches to skilled personnel in technical, nautical, HR, finance, and general management, we have the know-how to handle any maritime challenge.
OUR VISION
To be the preferred choice of customers in the Caribbean and Central American region by providing expertise, quality, reliable and professional services to all in-harbor, coastal and ocean towage, salvage and emergency response jobs.
OUR MISSION
KTK is a professional maritime service provider in the nautical chain of vessel traffic management in the deep sea ports of Curaçao. KTK is adding value to the professionalism and quality of the Curaçao ports in general and thereby to the development of the island and people of Curaçao.
OUR HISTORY
In 1985, a new chapter unfolded in Curaçao’s maritime history. With Shell’s departure, the need for dedicated tugboats arose. Seizing the opportunity, the Curaçao Ports Authority established KTK Tugs, filling the gap and becoming the island’s sole provider.
But KTK Tugs didn’t remain anchored to local shores. From humble beginnings in harbor towage, it transformed into a regional force within the Caribbean basin.
Today, our fleet of 6 powerful tugboats and 6 agile pilot boats navigate diverse waters.
We ensure the smooth arrival and departure of vessels in Curaçao’s ports, support regional towage, salvage jobs and charters and even offer emergency response for Tier 1 oil spills.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
KTK Tugs understands that its responsibility extends beyond providing essential maritime services. As a pillar of the Curaçao community, we actively invest in its future through social responsibility initiatives.
Recognized by Lloyd’s Organization with ISO certification, our efforts prioritize environmental preservation. We participate in projects that safeguard our precious ecosystem, ensuring a healthy harbor and thriving community for generations to come.
Furthermore, KTK supports educational and well-being programs, empowering the next generation to become responsible citizens and future leaders. We also support projects that focus on future development of the harbor and the community.
THE FLEET
OLA
MANTA
LIMA II
MERO
TRIBON
BARAKUDA
Whether you require assistance within Curaçao’s vibrant ports or across the international maritime landscape, KTK Tug’s diverse fleet ensures we have the right vessel for your needs.
Our core strength lies in our 6 powerful tugboats, boasting bollard pulls ranging from 10 to 70 tons. 3 of these are permanently stationed in Curaçao, dedicated to providing 24/7 harbor towage services. For international projects, 3 additional tugboats operate across the market, ready to tackle diverse challenges.
Beyond tugboats, KTK Tugs offers additional support with 5 launches and 1 modern pilot tender. These agile vessels are ideal for pilot transport and line handling, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
For a detailed look at each vessel’s specifications and capabilities, please click any of the vessel images above.
COMMERCIAL
HARBOR TOWAGE SERVICES
US$ per tug per assistance
| VESSEL GT SERVICE | UP TO 5.000 GT | FROM 5.001 to 10.000 | FROM 10.001 to 20.000 | FROM 20.001 to 30.000 | FROM 30.001 to 40.000 | FROM 40.001 to 50.000 | FROM 50.001 to 60.000 | FROM 60.001 to 80.000 | FROM 80.001 to 150.000 | >150.000 GT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tug assistance for mooring / unmooring (All Bays) |
2.735 |
3.472 |
4.378 |
5.745 |
7.052 |
9.102 |
11.259 |
13.620 |
14.407 |
19.964 |
All services will be rendered on the “Standard Towing Conditions” deposited by Kompania di Tou Korsou Exploitatie Mij. N.V. with the Curaçao court.
Standard Towage Conditions
The limited liability company Kompania di Tou Korsou Exploitatie Maatschappij N.V. or Curaçao Towage Company Ltd., hereinafter referred to as: “the Tug Owner”.
The party engaging or ordering the Tug Owner on behalf of itself or any other party for the purpose of rendering services by the Tug Owner will hereinafter referred to as: “the Hirer”.
1. On the employment of the Tug Owner the master and crew of its tug boat become the servants of and are identified with the Hirer and are under the control of the Hirer including its servants and/or agents. Anyone on board Hirer’s vessel (the “Vessel”) who may be employed and/or paid by the Tug Owner shall be considered the servant of the Hirer. The same shall apply to the pilot, even if he is carrying out his duties on board the tug boat.
2. Limitation of liability
A. Except in case of intent (in Dutch: “opzet”) or willful recklessness (in Dutch: “bewuste roekeloosheid”) of the Tug Owner, all liability of the Tug Owner, for whatever reason or context, is limited to the amount paid out by its insurer in the relevant case (“the Insurer”), pursuant to the insurance policy.
B. If for whatever reason the Insurer does not provide cover as a consequence of an assessment by the Insurer on the merits of the relevant case, all liability of the Tug Owner is limited as follows, except in case of intent or willful recklessness of the Tug Owner: the Tug Owner shall not, whether or not whilst towing, be liable for damage of any kind (i) by the tug boat, (ii) done by or to the Vessel, (iii) for loss or damage to anything on board the Vessel, (iv) for loss of the tug boat or Vessel, (v) for any personal injury or loss of life, arising from any cause including negligence at any time of the Tug Owner’s employees, officers, or agents, unseaworthiness, unfitness or breakdown by the tug boat, its machinery, boilers, towing gear, equipment of hawsers, lack of fuel, stores or speed, or (vi) for any kind of other damages, costs and/or (financial) consequences. For the purpose of these Standard Towage Conditions (the “Conditions”) the phrase “whilst towing” shall be deemed to cover the period commencing when the Tug Owner has been engaged to provide its services and/or received orders thereto whether or not directly from the Hirer and/or when the tug boat is in position to receive orders (in)directly from the Hirer and/or the Vessel to pick up ropes or lines and/or when the towrope has been passed to or by the tug boat, whichever comes first, and ending when the final orders from the Hirer and/or Vessel to cast off ropes or lines have been carried out, or the towrope has been finally slipped and the tug is safely clear of the Vessel, whichever is the later. Towing is also deemed to include any operation in condition with the holding, pushing, pulling, moving and/or escorting of the Vessel.
C. If for whatever reason the Insurer does not provide coverage as a consequence of reasons which in no way whatsoever are related to the merits of the relevant case as to be determined by the Tug Owner, all liability of the Tug Owner is limited, except in case of intent or willful recklessness of the Tug Owner, to the amount equal to the remuneration owed by the Hirer to the Tug Owner as a result of the engagement of the Tug Owner during which an issue regarding possible liability of the Tug Owner occurred.
D. The Hirer shall in any case pay for all losses and/or damages and consequences of personal injury or loss of life in any relevant case and shall indemnify the Tug Owner against all kind of claims and consequences in this respect.
E. The Tug Owner shall not, whilst at the request expressed or implied of the Hirer, rendering any services other than towing be held responsible for any kind of damages done to the Vessel and/or third parties.
F. The Hirer shall indemnify the Tug Owner against any claim by a third party for any reason whatsoever.
G. The burden of proof for any liability matter lies with the Hirer.
3. The Tug Owner may substitute one tug boat for another and may sublet the work, wholly or in part, to (an) other tug owner(s) who shall also have the benefit of and be bound by these conditions.
4. The Tug Owner will not be responsible for the consequences of war, strikes, lockouts, riots, civil commotion, disputes or labor disturbances (whether it is party thereto or not) or anything done in contemplation of furtherance thereof or delays of any description (including delays as a consequence of force majeure in accordance with the law), however caused, including negligence of its employees, officers or agents.
5. All payments by Hirer for services provided by/ to be provided by the Tug Owner in connection to an arrival/ departure cycle, including the berth shifts involved are due prior to the departure of the Vessel concerned unless otherwise agreed.
6. The Hirer shall pay to the Tug Owner – in cash or otherwise as agreed – all sums immediately when due without deduction or determent on account of any claim, counterclaim or set-off.
7. Notwithstanding the afore mentioned the Tug Owner will charge 1.5% per month pro rata on any invoice not paid within 30 days of the date of the invoice.
8. These conditions are governed exclusively by Curaçao law. The court in first instance of Curaçao is the exclusive competent court for any kind of dispute arising from or in any other way related to these conditions and the engagement of the Tug Owner.
Mooring Services and Pilot Transport
Additional charges mooring services
| VESSEL GT | RATES US$ |
|---|---|
|
Up to 5.000 |
768 |
|
5.001 – 10.000 |
1.086 |
|
10.001 – 20.000 |
1.536 |
|
20.001 – 100.000 |
1.836 |
|
>100.000 |
3.324 |
Other services
All services will be rendered on the “Standard Towing Conditions” deposited by Kompania di Tou Korsou Exploitatie Mij. N.V. with the Curaçao court.
Standard Towage Conditions
The limited liability company Kompania di Tou Korsou Exploitatie Maatschappij N.V. or Curaçao Towage Company Ltd., hereinafter referred to as: “the Tug Owner”.
The party engaging or ordering the Tug Owner on behalf of itself or any other party for the purpose of rendering services by the Tug Owner will hereinafter referred to as: “the Hirer”.
1. On the employment of the Tug Owner the master and crew of its tug boat become the servants of and are identified with the Hirer and are under the control of the Hirer including its servants and/or agents. Anyone on board Hirer’s vessel (the “Vessel”) who may be employed and/or paid by the Tug Owner shall be considered the servant of the Hirer. The same shall apply to the pilot, even if he is carrying out his duties on board the tug boat.
2. Limitation of liability
A. Except in case of intent (in Dutch: “opzet”) or willful recklessness (in Dutch: “bewuste roekeloosheid”) of the Tug Owner, all liability of the Tug Owner, for whatever reason or context, is limited to the amount paid out by its insurer in the relevant case (“the Insurer”), pursuant to the insurance policy.
B. If for whatever reason the Insurer does not provide cover as a consequence of an assessment by the Insurer on the merits of the relevant case, all liability of the Tug Owner is limited as follows, except in case of intent or willful recklessness of the Tug Owner: the Tug Owner shall not, whether or not whilst towing, be liable for damage of any kind (i) by the tug boat, (ii) done by or to the Vessel, (iii) for loss or damage to anything on board the Vessel, (iv) for loss of the tug boat or Vessel, (v) for any personal injury or loss of life, arising from any cause including negligence at any time of the Tug Owner’s employees, officers, or agents, unseaworthiness, unfitness or breakdown by the tug boat, its machinery, boilers, towing gear, equipment of hawsers, lack of fuel, stores or speed, or (vi) for any kind of other damages, costs and/or (financial) consequences. For the purpose of these Standard Towage Conditions (the “Conditions”) the phrase “whilst towing” shall be deemed to cover the period commencing when the Tug Owner has been engaged to provide its services and/or received orders thereto whether or not directly from the Hirer and/or when the tug boat is in position to receive orders (in)directly from the Hirer and/or the Vessel to pick up ropes or lines and/or when the towrope has been passed to or by the tug boat, whichever comes first, and ending when the final orders from the Hirer and/or Vessel to cast off ropes or lines have been carried out, or the towrope has been finally slipped and the tug is safely clear of the Vessel, whichever is the later. Towing is also deemed to include any operation in condition with the holding, pushing, pulling, moving and/or escorting of the Vessel.
C. If for whatever reason the Insurer does not provide coverage as a consequence of reasons which in no way whatsoever are related to the merits of the relevant case as to be determined by the Tug Owner, all liability of the Tug Owner is limited, except in case of intent or willful recklessness of the Tug Owner, to the amount equal to the remuneration owed by the Hirer to the Tug Owner as a result of the engagement of the Tug Owner during which an issue regarding possible liability of the Tug Owner occurred.
D. The Hirer shall in any case pay for all losses and/or damages and consequences of personal injury or loss of life in any relevant case and shall indemnify the Tug Owner against all kind of claims and consequences in this respect.
E. The Tug Owner shall not, whilst at the request expressed or implied of the Hirer, rendering any services other than towing be held responsible for any kind of damages done to the Vessel and/or third parties.
F. The Hirer shall indemnify the Tug Owner against any claim by a third party for any reason whatsoever.
G. The burden of proof for any liability matter lies with the Hirer.
3. The Tug Owner may substitute one tug boat for another and may sublet the work, wholly or in part, to (an) other tug owner(s) who shall also have the benefit of and be bound by these conditions.
4. The Tug Owner will not be responsible for the consequences of war, strikes, lockouts, riots, civil commotion, disputes or labor disturbances (whether it is party thereto or not) or anything done in contemplation of furtherance thereof or delays of any description (including delays as a consequence of force majeure in accordance with the law), however caused, including negligence of its employees, officers or agents.
5. All payments by Hirer for services provided by/ to be provided by the Tug Owner in connection to an arrival/ departure cycle, including the berth shifts involved are due prior to the departure of the Vessel concerned unless otherwise agreed.
6. The Hirer shall pay to the Tug Owner – in cash or otherwise as agreed – all sums immediately when due without deduction or determent on account of any claim, counterclaim or set-off.
7. Notwithstanding the afore mentioned the Tug Owner will charge 1.5% per month pro rata on any invoice not paid within 30 days of the date of the invoice.
8. These conditions are governed exclusively by Curaçao law. The court in first instance of Curaçao is the exclusive competent court for any kind of dispute arising from or in any other way related to these conditions and the engagement of the Tug Owner.
OPERATIONS
International Caribbean Operations
KTK Tugs extends its maritime expertise beyond Curaçao’s borders serving as your reliable and trusted partner in key Caribbean locations, We are now operating in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, St. Eustatius and St. Kitts. With strategically positioned assets and a dedicated team, we offer a comprehensive range of services to meet your diverse needs in towage solutions.
We provide efficient and secure assistance for harbor towage, ship assists, or emergency response, our experienced crews are ready to ensure smooth and safe operations. Whether it’s short-term support for a specific task or long-term project collaboration, KTK Tugs is your ideal partner.
CONNECT WITH OUR EXPERTS
Do you have any questions about our services, need assistance or help with a specific project, we’re here to answer any inquiries you may have. Feel free to reach out to us using any of the channels below:
Head office:
Jan Baardakade z/n, Scharloo,
Curaçao, Dutch Caribbean.
Tel +(5999) 461-1055
Fax +(5999) 461-2055
After office hours (Fort Nassau)
Tel +(5999) 434-5999
WE’RE STRONG AND RELIABLE